A Money Saving Blog

I have spent countless hours pouring over Crystal's new Blog Money Saving Mom it is amazing, informative and exciting to hear what Crystal and other women are doing to help be more efficient with the family income. YOU MUST TAKE A LOOK AND SEE!!!!

No way.....

I am not sure how they determine this but I am sure that someone MUST be mistaken :-)

Beginning Again...

It's been about 3 months and so much has happened since I've last posted. I've been away but I have not forgotten about you "Blog." I have many things to share and also to apologize for. Please be patient with me a little while longer. I will be back soon. God bless.

William Wilberforce

"When religion is handed down among us by hereditary succession, it is not surprising to find youth of sense and spirit beginning to question the truth of the system in which they were brought up. And it is not surprising to see them abandon a position that they are unable to defend. Knowing Christianity chiefly by its difficulties and the impossibilities falsely imputed to it, they fall perhaps into the company of unbelievers..."

This quote came from A Complete Thought dated 7/18/07, a blog I read on a regular basis. It was originally quoted from an article written in American Vision Biblical Worldview magazine (Vol 23, #4, April 2007).

This quote makes me think of my children, actually children in the church. Especially those going away to colleges (non-Christian colleges) . "When religion is handed down among us by hereditary succession, it is not surprising to find youth of sense and spirit beginning to question the truth of the system in which they were brought up." I see this more then I care to admit especially with those young people who are graduation from High School and beginning a new journey in their lives. Our relationship with God can never be by hereditary succession. It can never be something handed down to us from our parents like an old photo album. It must be real. If it is not real, we will not be able to stand.

I pray that my son and many of his friends as well have been developing their own relationships with the Lord these many years.This will enable them to stand up in the face of the many challenges they will face in their colleges and their day to day lives. It is our responsibility as parents to teach them what they need wile they are young and throughout their lives under our roof. I pray that we have done that.

Menu Plan Monday

• Monday - Chicken Parm & Spaghetti
  
• Tuesday - Grilled Sandwiches with Chips
• Wednesday - Egg Casserole with Toast
• Thursday - Bacon Cheeseburgers with Oven Fries
• Friday - Old Faithful, Pizza

The recipe that I'm highlighting today is not in my Mon-Fri list. It's something we had on Sunday; my family enjoys it a lot and it's so easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops:

5 Bone in Pork Chops
18 ounce bottle of your favorite BBQ Sauce
I Medium Onion
2 Tablespoons water

Put Slices onions on the bottom of the slow cooker. Place Pork Chops on top of Onions. Pour BBQ sacue obver Pork Chops and add the water. Cook 3-4 hours on HIGH or 7-8 hours on LOW.

It is amazing and so easy. Have a great week.

Letting Go, Part 1

Thank you to Amy at Amy's Humble Musings for sharing her heart with us. Finding a new home can be both exciting and heartbreaking, but knowing the Giver of all things brings us peace. We are hoping to move into a 3 bedroom townhouse in New Jersey at the end of August. We need to move to New Jersey because my husband drives 2-2 1/2 hours each way every day for work. At this time we are not ready to buy a home. First, we must be approved for this townhouse based on my husbands salary and our credit. Our credit has been an issue since we were married 5 years ago. Each of us bringing the consequences of our own actions into our marriage. Needless to say it has been very hard to fix the past while maintaining a household and taking care of 2 children. It sometimes feels as if we will never be free of it.

Amy quotes Elisabeth Elliot, “I had been praying for something I wanted very badly. It seemed a good thing to have, a thing that would make life even more pleasant than it is, and would not in any way hinder my work. God did not give it to me. Why? I do not know all of his reasons, of course. The God who orchestrates the universe has a good many things to consider that have not occurred to me, and it is well that I leave them to Him. But one thing I do understand: He offers me holiness at the price of relinquishing my own will.”

When I read this quote it occurred to me; we may be rejected for this town house; it may be because our credit is still not good enough (though it is better then it was 5 years ago). I will be disappointed, and I will be frustrated if that happens, but as Elisabeth Elliot said,..."my god offers me holiness at the price of relinquishing my own will." I thank him for that. I want to relinquish my own will in this matter. Doing all that I can to correct my many mistakes and then resting in Him. Every major change that we have gone through has been difficult if not almost impossible. But each time God has provided us a way, His Way. Thank you Lord for your mercy.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 1 Peter 1:3-4

Walking through the Book of Ecclesiastes

I was reading the blog Seasonings of the Heart July 6th, 2007; Rosemary writes a quote from Spurgeon:

No human mind can adequately estimate the infinite value of the divine sacrifice, for although the sin of God’s people is great, the atonement that takes it away is immeasurably greater. Therefore, even when sin rolls in like a flood, and the remembrance of the past is bitter, the believer can still stand before the blazing throne of the great and holy God and cry, “Who is to condemn: Christ Jesus is the one who died–more than that, who was raised.” While the recollection of the believers sin fills him with shame and sorrow, its very darkness serves to show the brightness of mercy; guilt is the dark night in which the fair star of divine love shines with serene splendor. –Charles H. Spurgeon

We are going through the book of Ecclesiastes in Sunday School. This is my first time going through this book as a study; I am very excited. As we read through the book, there is a tendecy to think that it if rather depressing. Please don't. Here these words: its very darkness serves to show the brightness of mercy...This made me think about our study. The very darkness that this book contains serves to show us " the brightness of Gods mercy." The truth is we need to see this mans journey through darkness. Every doubt, every frustration was a step ordained by God to lead this man. Our lives are no different. Every step through darkness allows us to see the brightness of God's mercy over our lives. It may not be easy and most times it's not, but we have a father in heaven who knows what we need and what is best for us. We trust our journey to him.

Menu Plan Monday

• Monday - Mac & Cheese Dog Casserole*
• Tuesday - Sausage & Pepper Sandwiches
• Wednesday - BBQ Chicken, Buttered Noodles & Corn Bread
• Thursday - Leftovers or Sandwiches
• Friday - Pizza

*The recipe we are highlighting today is Rachael Rays Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole:


1 pound elbow macaroni
Salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 package beef or pork hot dogs, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons all- purpose flour
1/2 cup chicken broth (She uses 1/2 cup of beer)
2 cups milk
Pepper
1 rounded tablespoon spicy mustard
2 rounded tablespoons ketchup
1 cup of shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese and 2 cups of shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese (she uses 3 cups Sharp Cheddar)

Boil a large pot of water for macaroni. Salt water and under cook macaroni, cook about 7 minutes. While pasta cooks, heat a large deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, then add hot dogs and brown on both sides about 4 minutes. Remove the hot dogs and place them on a paper towel to drain a bit. Add another tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil to the pan and butter. When butter melts, cook onions 4 to 5 minutes, then add flour and cook another minute. Add chicken stock and cook about 1 minute. Whisk in milk and bring to a bubble, then season the sauce with salt and pepper and stir in the mustard and ketchup. Lower the heat and add 2 cups of the cheese. Stir to melt. Adjust mustard, ketchup, and salt and pepper, to your taste. Combine pasta and hot dogs with sauce and coat evenly then pour into large casserole and top with remaining cheese. Melt and brown cheese under broiler, 2 minutes.

This is my family's favorite dish. They love mac and cheese and they are crazy about hot dogs. Combining the two is sheer genius. Enjoy.

Menu Plan Monday

• Monday- Baked Potato Omelette Casserole*
• Tuesday- Pirogies and Ham Steak (Grilled)
• Wednesday - Beef Taco's with the fix ins
• Thursday - Leftovers or Sandwiches
• Friday - Pizza

*The recipe we are highlighting today is Paula Deans Baked Potato Omelette Casserole:

1 20oz package of frozen seasoned shredded hash browns
1 16oz package of sausage cooked, crumbled, and drained
10 sliced of bacon crumbled
1 8 ounce package of Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese blend
10 large eggs
2 cups half and half
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13x9x2 inch pan. Place hash browns in the prepared dish, pressing gently. Layer sausage, bacon and cheese on top. In medium bowl whisk together eggs and milk.Then add the basil and oregano. Pour over casserole. Bake 35 to 45 min. until lightly brown. Found in Cooking With Paula Dean March/April edition

I really enjoy this recipe and it's convinence. We had some for dinner and turn around and have some again for breakfast. Now that is sweet. Please check it out,

Spurgeon Sermon - Young Man! A Prayer for You

This is the sermon "Young Man! a Prayer for You" by C.H. Spurgeon. I will be reading this sermon through a little bit at a time for a few days (possibly weeks) there is so much to glean here. Please join me. I've also included the link for the entire sermon.

"And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha"—2 Kings 6:17.

This young man waited upon a prophet: he could not have had a more instructive occupation; yet his eyes needed to be opened. He was well disposed towards good things, for the tone of his language to his master shows that he was heartily at one with him; but his eyes were not yet half opened. Being in great alarm for his master's safety, he ran to him to warn him: good servants should be their master's best friends. In return, his believing master prays for him. If we desire the good of our servants, our children, and our friends, let us take care that we make supplication for them. All that we can do for them at our best is to give them secondary blessings; but if we pray to God for them, they will receive the best of gifts from him who sends down in his mercy nothing but good gifts and perfect gifts. When we have come to the end of our teaching, and example, and persuasion, let us hand our young friends over to the Lord, who works effectually unto eternal salvation.

My son is on his way to college a number of miles from home, mom, dad and all that he is used to. He will experience many things on this new journey of his life, some good some not so good. What I will do as his mother and as one who loves him very much is pray for him. Pray that "his eyes may be opened that he might see." Pray that "he will receive the best of gifts from him who sends down his mercy." I will pray that in all my son does that he will do it to the glory of God. Our world wants our young people to remain blind to the things of God and His truth. My prayer is that "their eyes would be opened."

Menu Monday

This weeks Menu is pretty simple:

• Monday - Baked Ziti
• Tuesday - Egg Bake
• Wednesday - Hot dogs, Hamburgers, Potato Salad & Baked Beans
• Thursday - Leftovers
• Friday - Pizza

I don't really like using the oven in the summer if at all possible but casseroles like these make for easy meals when everyone is eating at different times. Happy eating !!!

Proms and Potty Training

It's been a crazy couple of months. I have been getting ready for my sons graduation and also potty training my 2 year old. My brain is bouncing from one side of my head to the other. There have been Proms and Play dates; Graduation Parties and kids Birthday Parties. I get to experience both ends of the spectrum all at the same time. It sure is an eye opener. I need Gods wisdom for each task that he has for me to do. Being mom to 2 children at such different ages is challenging and exciting. I would not be able to do it with out Gods wisdom and his grace. Here is my son and his sister before he left to go pick up his prom date. My daughter thought he was taking her to the prom.

Update 7/1/07 I wanted to share with you the book I used in potty training my daughter. It has been a great help to me in knowing when to push and when not to push. And for my daughter; she wants these things to be on her terms. Potty training will be done when they are physically ready and when you are mentally ready. Knowing that will save you so much anguish and time. The book is called "The No-Cry Potty Training Solution: Gentle ways to Help your Child Say No to Diapers" by Elizabeth Pantley. So you don't think I forgot my son, he was given a book by one of his teachers called "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper. I haven't read it yet but I have heard good things about it. It's not just for teenagers. I'll tell you more after Jules and I have read it. So check them both out. It's worth it.

Satisfied in HIM

Always Remember and Never Forget

North Penn High School 4x100 Meter Relay

North Penn High School, Lansdale PA wins the gold in the 4x100 meter Relay at the
District Championships. The tall guy, short hair, handing off the baton with the black and light blue uniform is my son. Congratulations to the team.

Welcome and Introduction

This is my first post on His Household. I started it to have a place to write my thoughts and experiences; to look back at them and see what or if I've learned anything from them. Maybe even to share a few things with friends and family. I am the wife of a wonderful man who loves me more then I could even imagine. He loves me as Christ loves the church and he strives to take care of his family as a man of God. I am the mother of two wonderful children; a 17 year old son who will be on his way to College in August and a 2 year old daughter who keeps me busy from morning till night.

My family and I belong to an Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania that we love and thank the Lord for directing us to. After living in Pennsylvania for serveral years I recently met a wonderful group of moms who I can truly call friends and my daughter has a group of girls that she calls sisters.

I plan to share my thoughts, scripture, wisdom from men and women of God who we can learn from, my family experiences and maybe even a picture now and again. This is where I'll start, as I change and grow I expect this BLOG to do the same.

Thank you for joining me; comments are welcome and I'll see you again soon.